A1 Journal article (refereed)
Aikuiset lapset muistisairaan vanhemman kotona asumisen mahdollistajina (2022)
Adult children enabling a parent with memory disease to live at home

Halonen, U. (2022). Aikuiset lapset muistisairaan vanhemman kotona asumisen mahdollistajina. Gerontologia, 36(1), 16-32. https://doi.org/10.23989/gerontologia.107685

JYU authors or editors

Publication details

All authors or editors: Halonen, Ulla

Journal or series: Gerontologia

ISSN: 0784-0039

eISSN: 2489-494X

Publication year: 2022

Publication date: 11/03/2022

Volume: 36

Issue number: 1

Pages range: 16-32

Publisher: Kasvun ja vanhenemisen tutkijat

Publication country: Finland

Publication language: Finnish

DOI: https://doi.org/10.23989/gerontologia.107685

Publication open access: Openly available

Publication channel open access: Open Access channel

Publication is parallel published (JYX): https://jyx.jyu.fi/handle/123456789/80142

Abstract

As the population is aging and memory disorders are increasing, the role of adult children in enabling an elderly parent with memory disease to live at home is increasing. This study examines the situations of adult children caring for their parents with memory disease living at home, and their needs for support and services. In addition, it analyzes where adult children have received support and services, and how various sources of support meet their needs. The study data were collected through telephone interviews with adult children who live throughout Finland (n=20). The data were analyzed by theory-based content analysis. The results of the study show that the bulk of adult children’s care-giving focuses mostly on everyday practical matters. In addition, adult children play a significant role in coordinating services for their parents. Some of the family members felt that they carried complete responsibility for their impaired parent’s everyday care. According to the study, adult children’s needs for support greatly affect the life situation of the parent and their family, the parent’s functional ability, and the possibility to receive support and other services for both the parent and the family. Support is needed the most in regards to information and practical knowledge of the disease, mental health maintenance and coordinating services. Better observation of the adult child’s caregiving and support needs would aid them in enabling their parent to remain living at home.

Keywords: older people; people with memory disorders; living at home; home care; caring for close relatives; forms of support; adult children

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Ministry reporting: Yes

Reporting Year: 2022

JUFO rating: 1